WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - April 25, 2012) - Investments in LEAN manufacturing and continuous improvement can be the difference between business profitability and complete collapse under the pressure of global economic uncertainty, according to Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).

With a soaring Loonie, mounting costs and growing volatility in world markets, manufacturers are relying more heavily on streamlined efficiencies to maintain their competitive edge. But it's not all about doing more with less.

"Productivity is about maximizing value within an organization," explains CME President & CEO Jayson Myers. "It doesn't just end at the shop floor. Concepts like LEAN extend right through the front office and help expose opportunities for growth - in research and development, in professional development and ultimately on the bottom-line."

To help showcase the mechanisms available for companies looking to adopt a culture of continuous improvement, CME is hosting the 2012 National LEAN Conference, June 4-7, in Winnipeg. This intensive four-day event will feature plant tours, workshops and a world-class list of keynote speakers, including Price Industries Chairman & CEO Gerry Price, New Flyer Industries President & CEO Paul Soubry, MIT lecturer Steven Spear, as well as renowned authors Norman Bodek and George Koenigsaecker.

"Elite Canadian manufacturers know the importance of coming together to share best practices, learn from each other's experiences and network," says Myers. "And there is no better catalyst to make those linkages than LEAN. Enterprise-wide excellence is the foundation of success in the new economy."

More than 500 manufacturers are expected to participate in the conference. Space is extremely limited. To learn more or to register, visit www.lean2012.com.

About CME

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is Canada's largest trade and industry association, and the voice of manufacturing and global business in Canada.

The association represents more than 10,000 leading companies nationwide. More than 85 per cent of CME's members are small and medium-sized enterprises. As Canada's leading business network, CME - through various initiatives including the establishment of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition - touches more than 100,000 companies from coast to coast, engaged in manufacturing, global business and service-related industries.

CME's membership network accounts for an estimated 82 per cent of Canadian manufacturing production and 90 per cent of all goods and services exports.